J・R・R・トールキン（1892-1973年）はその作品を通して神話、民話、おとぎ話への関心を育み、今日「ファンタジー文学」と呼ばれる領域を切り開いて今日の大衆文化に多大な影響を与えた英国の作家で文献学者です。『指輪物語』『ホビットの冒険』は神話、民話、おとぎ話への扉を開き、今日ファンタジー文学と呼ばれる領域を切り開き、大衆文化に多大な影響を与えました。本書は学術的な著者や没後に出版された作品を含む、広範な著作の全容をわかりやすく紹介するものです。作品をトールキンの時代の文脈に位置づけ、そこで繰り返されたアイデアやこだわりに着目し、新たな見解や洞察を提供します。
 

• Compact, authoritative, and readable introduction to Tolkien and his writings
• Engages with the full range of Tolkien's writings, not just his most famous works of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings

   
J.R.R. Tolkien was the author of two of the most extraordinary, most original, and most popular books of the twentieth century: The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings. The encounter with his works has had profound and far-reaching consequences for millions of readers, who have experienced a form of re-enchantment in the midst of the modern world. Tolkien's works have opened a door to myth, folklore, and fairy tale, and to the discovery of what we now call fantasy literature. He is also a writer who has changed our common culture.
    
This Very Short Introduction by Matthew Townend offers an accessible and authoritative guide to the full range of Tolkien's extensive writings, including his academic and posthumously published work. It places Tolkien's writing in the time and context of their composition, and it takes a thematic approach by exploring recurrent ideas and preoccupations in his writings. Throughout the author offers new ideas and insights on Tolkien.